poor-mouth
[ poo r-mouth ]
/ ˈpʊərˌmaʊθ /
verb (used without object), poor-mouthed [poo r-moutht, -mouth d] /ˈpʊərˌmaʊθt, -ˌmaʊðd/, poor-mouth·ing.
to lament or argue that one is too poor; plead poverty.
verb (used with object), poor-mouthed [poo r-moutht, -mouth d] /ˈpʊərˌmaʊθt, -ˌmaʊðd/, poor-mouth·ing.
to declare (one's ability, power, position, etc.) to be inadequate or disappointing, sometimes as an intentional understatement; downplay: We know you're just poor-mouthing your skill at playing bridge—you're a good player.
Origin of poor-mouth
1965–70;
Americanism; orig. in verb phrases
put up a poor mouth, make a poor mouth
Words nearby poor-mouth
poor robin's plantain,
poor taste, in,
poor white,
poor white trash,
poor-do,
poor-mouth,
poor-spirited,
poor-will,
poorhouse,
poori,
poorish
Definition for poor-mouth (2 of 2)
poor mouth
noun Informal.
a person who continually complains about a lack of money.
a plea or complaint of poverty, often as an excuse for not contributing to charities, paying bills, etc.
Origin of poor mouth
First recorded in 1815–25
British Dictionary definitions for poor-mouth
poor mouth
/ Irish /
noun
unjustified complaining, esp to excite sympathy
she always has the poor mouth
verb poor-mouth (tr)
informal
to speak of disparagingly; decry